Content standards within the Biology Core must be included in all high school biology courses. This core is not intended to serve as the entire curriculum for any course.   It is also important to note that depth of understanding, not breadth of content, is the goal of the biology curriculum.  Content standards require emphasis on open-ended laboratory exploration, active investigation, and analysis of ideas. The scientific process and application skills located on page 10 of this document should be incorporated into as many course standards as possible. While important to the study of biology, vocabulary should be a means to understanding and communicating rather than an end unto itself.

 

Instructional techniques that include technology should be utilized to explore DNA, amino acids, and proteins in the laboratory. It is also essential that students place theories and discoveries of significant persons into a historical perspective. Students should use clear and accurate language, keep accurate records, make reports, present oral and written projects, and participate in discussions regarding the results and conclusions of scientific investigations. Safe field and laboratory investigations should be used in instruction to the maximum extent possible to illustrate scientific concepts and principles and support inquiry-based instruction. With the advent of anticipated breakthroughs in science and the personal, environmental, and societal issues that will accompany them, biological literacy for all Alabama citizens is essential.